Background

Good health begins with understanding. It is important to understand the normal functioning of the body, notice changes when they appear, and know where to go when something goes wrong. A woman who has this knowledge can take action in time, know what to ask about, and make her own decisions about her welfare.

Having said this, what becomes important to note is how rarely this knowledge reaches the women who need it most. As per an analysis of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 1.9% of Indian women have ever been screened for cervical cancer and 0.9% for breast cancer, despite both being available under national programmes. There are numerous reasons for this, such as limited awareness of symptoms and screening, the distance to the nearest hospital, the embarrassment and stigma that still surround women's health, households that place a woman's needs behind everyone else's, and financial constraints. Payments made directly by patients still make up 39.4% of health spending in India. For many families, the cost of a single consultation is enough to keep a woman from seeing a doctor.

First Signs was founded in August 2026 to tackle this issue. It aims not only to share information with underserved women but also to create a support network that enables them to identify, understand, and respond to their health needs. By combining accessible resources with practical workshops, expert guidance, and financial support, First Signs hopes to turn knowledge about care into care received.